Sheave attachment for crane apparatus or the like



April 26, 1966 c. H. BUTCHER 3,247,976

SHEAVE ATTACHMENT FOR CRANE APPARATUS OR THE LIKE Filed Oct. 21, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR ATTORNEYS April 26, 1966 c. H. BUTCHER 3,247,976

SHEAVE ATTACHMENT FOR CRANE APPARATUS OR THE LIKE Filed 001.. 21, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 "1; I INVENTOR BY J W M ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,247,976 SHEAVE ATTACHMENT FOR ERANE APPARATUS 0R THE LIKE Charles H. Butcher, Marion, Ohio, assignor to Universal Marion Corporation, Jacksonville, Fla, a corporation of Florida Filed (let. 21, 1963, Ser. No. 317,584 6 Claims. (Cl. 212-70) This invention relates to crane apparatus or the like of the type utilizing a boom mast for supporting the boom pendants, and more particularly to an adjustable attachment mountable on the upper terminus of the boom mast of such apparatus to provide either .a support for the boom pendants or a running support for a hoist line.

In most crane apparatus or the like having an extensive boom supported by pendants, there usually is provided a boom mast pivotally mounted on the cab structure of the apparatus which serves as a support for the boom pendants. -In addition, there usually is provided a hoist line block and tackle assembly, operatively connected to the boom mast and the hoist machinery located on the apparatus. for controlling the angle of the boom mast and, correspondingly, the angle of the boom. Often, when the boom is detached from the cab structure of the apparatus, the boom mast is used as a running support for lifting light loads. This normally is accomplished by running a hoist line from a hoist drum mounted on the apparatus over a sheave mounted on the terminus of the boom mast and securing a hook or other suitable attaching device on the suspended free end of the hoist line. The angle of the mast is controlled by the boom hoist assembly, which also is secured normally to the terminus of the boom mast.

It has been found, however, that the terminus construction of most boom masts in the prior art is not suitable in performing a dual function whereby it may be used either as a support for the boom pendants when the boom is attached, or as a running support fora hoist line when the boom is detached and the boom mast is used as a boom for lifting light loads. Several constructions in the prior art provide attachments mountable on the terminus of the boom mast which are adapted to some extent to be adjusted so that they may perform such a dual function. However, such attachments have been found not to be entirely satisfactory, in that they often involve expensive and complicated constructions or require the use of tools to modify their construction each time the attachment is to be used for a different function.

Accordingly, it is the principal object of this invention to provide an improved attachment mountable on the boom mast of crane apparatus or the like which is adapted to provide either a support for the boom pendants or a running support for a hoist line.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved attachment mountable on the boom mast of crane apparatus or the like, to provide either a support for the boom pendants or a running support for a hoist line which may be easily converted for performing either of such functions by means of a simple adjustment.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved attachment mountable on the boom mast of crane "Ice Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art, from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of a crane apparatus with portions thereof broken away, illustrating an embodiment of the present invention mounted on the boom mast of the apparatus, positioned to serve as a support for the boom pendants;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged elevational view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional View taken along line 4-4 in FIGURE 3; and

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIGURE 4, also illustrating the position of the sheave when used as a running support for a hoist line.

Generally, this invention provides an adjustable attachment mount-able on a boom mast of a crane apparatus or the like, which may be utilized either as a support for boom pendants or a running support for a hoist line, comprising a first member having means for mounting the attachment on the terminus of a boom mast and a second member having a portion thereof extending through an opening in the first member for longitudinal movement therein. The second member is provided with means adapted to cooperate selectively with the first member at predetermined angular positions relative to the axis of the second member for locking the second member selectively in predetermined angular positions. Rotatably mounted on the second member is a sheave which either serves as a support for the pendants supporting the boom, or as a running support for a hoist line, depending on the angular position of the second member relative to the first member.

Referring to the drawing-s, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 1 illustrates a crane apparatus with which the present invention is used, generally comprising a support frame 10 mounted on wheel units 11, having suitable outriggers 12 and a rotatable cab structure 13 mounted thereon. Detachably mounted on the front end of the cab structure 13 for pivotal movement in a vertical plane is an extensive boom 14 having a telescopic stop assembly 15 interconnecting the cab structure and a top portion of the boom. The boom is supported by means of boom pendants 16 supported at their lower ends by an attachment 17 mounted on the upper terminus of a boom mast 18, which is pivotally connected at its lower end to the front end of the cab structure 13 adjacent the pivotal connection of the boom. The angle of the boom mast 18 is controlled by a hoist line block and tackle assembly 19 interconnecting the upper terminus of the boom mast 18 and the cab structure. The hoist line assembly is provided with a cable 20 attached to a drum within the cab structure, which is operatively connected to suitable hoisting machinery.

The upper terminus of the boom mast 18 is provided with a pair of spaced cars 21 and 22, having aligned openings for receiving a connecting pin 23 therethrough. The boom hoist assembly 19 is connected to the boom mast by means of a linking member 1% which is mounted on the pin 23. The attachment 17 comprises a linking member 24 having a clevis portion 25 defining a pair of spaced ears 26 and 27, having aligned openings for mounting the linking member on the connecting pin 23 for pivotal movement relative thereto. The forward end of the linking member is provided with a circular opening 23 therethrough, having an axis disposed substantially radially relative to the axis of the aligned openings in the clevis portion thereof for receiving a cylindrical portion 29 of a sheave support member therethrough for limited axial movement therein. As best shown in FIGURES 3 through 5, the forward end of the sheave support member is provided with a portion 31 defining a clevis having suitable openings therein for mounting the shaft 32 of a sheave 33. As best shown .in FIGURES 3 and 4, the axis of the shaft 32 is disposed substantially diametrically relative to the axis of the cylindrical portion 29 of the sheave support.

The rearward end of the sheave support member is provided with an annular flange 35 which prevents the sheave support member from being removed through the opening 28 in the linking member. The sheave support member also is provided with a radially disposed lug 36 formed integral with the inwardly facing surface of the annular flange 36 and the cylindrical surface of the sheave support member, which is adapted to be received selectively within recesses 37 formed at the rearward edge of the opening 28 of the linking member, and which are spaced 90 apart, as best illustrated in FIGURE 5. It will be appreciated that the lug 36 may be inserted in any of the recesses 37 to lock the sheave support member relative to the linking member, in positions 90 apart. Whenever it is desired to orientate the sheave support member 90 apart relative to thelinking member, this may be accomplished by moving the sheave support member rearwardly to a position as illustrated by the broken lines in FIGURE 3, so that the lug 36 is out of locking engagement with a recess 37, rotating the sheave support member 90 relative to the linking member, and moving the same forwardly so that the lug 36 is inserted in a second recess and cooperates therewith to lock the sheave support member to the linking member from rotational movement.

When the attachment is used as a support for the boom pendants, the sheave support member 30 is positioned so that the axis of the shaft 32 of the sheave lies in a plane perpendicular'to the axis of the pivotal connection between the linking member 25 and the boom mast 13. However, whenever the attachment is used as a running support for a hoist line, the sheave support member 30 is adjusted as previously described, so that the axis of the shaft 32 is disposed substantially parallel to the axis of the connecting pin 23, whereby the sheave 33 is positioned vertically as illustrated in broken lines in FIG- URE 5. It will be appreciated that when the attachment is used as a running support for a hoist line, the angular position of the boom mast 18 is controlled by the hoist assembly 19 and its associated machinery. It further will be appreciated that the boom mast 18 with the attachment mounted thereon in position to be used as a support for a hoist line can be utilized for attaching the boom to the cab structure.

The components of the adjustable attachment can be fabricated of any suitable material and in any suitable manner. It is preferred, however, that the components thereof be fabricated of cast materials having suitable strength to support the boom.

From the foregoing detailed description it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the present invention which come within the province of those skilled in the art. However, it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the appended claims.

. What Iclaim is:

1. An adjustable attachment mountable on a boom mast of a crane apparatus and the like to provide either a support for boom pendants or a running support for a hoist line comprising a first member having means for mounting the same on said boom mast, said first memher having a circular opening therethrough, a second member having a cylindrical portion rotatably mountedin said opening for axial movement therein, a sheave having a shaft journaled in said second member, said first member having at least two recesses in the rearward edge of said circular opening, spaced circumferentially at predetermined positions, and said second member having at least one radially extending lug selectively cooperating with said recesses for locking said second member selectively in predetermined angular positions relative to the axis of said opening.

2. An adjustable attachment mountable on a boom mast of a crane apparatus and the like to provide either a support for boom pendants or a running support for a hoist line comprising a first member having means for pivotally mounting the same to said boom mast, said first member having a circular opening therethrough, said circular opening having an axis disposed radially relative to the axis of the pivotal connection between said first member and said boom mast, a second member having a cylindrical portion rotatably mounted in said opening .for limited axial movement therein, a sheave having a shaft journaled in said second member, said first member having at least two recesses in the rearward edge of said circular opening, spaced circumferentially at predetermined positions, and said second member having at least one radially extending lug selectively cooperating with said recesses for locking said second member in predetermined angular positions relative to the axis of said opening.

3. An adjustable attachment mountable on a boom mast of a crane apparatus and the like to provide either a support for boom pendants or a running support for a hoist line comprising a first member having means for pivotally mounting the same to said boom mast, said first member having a circular opening therethrough, said circular opening having an axis disposed radially relative to the axis of the pivotal connection between said first member and said boom mast, a second member having a cylindrical portion rotatably mounted in said opening for limited axial movement therein, a sheave having an axis journaled in the exterior end of said second member, the shaft of said sheave having an axis disposed diametrically relative to the axis of said cylindrical portion thereof, the rearward edge of said circular opening in said first member having at least two recesses therein, spaced circumferentially at predetermined positions and said second member having at least one radially extending lug selectively cooperating with said recesses for locking said second member in predetermined angular positions relative to the axis of said opening.

4. An adjustable attachment mountable on a boom mast of a crane apparatus and the like to provide either a support for boom pendants or a running support for a hoist line comprising a first member having a portion dcfining a clevis, the clevis portion of said first member having aligned openings for receiving a pin for pivotally mounting said first member to said boom mast, said first member having a circular opening therethrough, a second member having a cylindrical portion rotatably mounted in said opening for axial movement therein and a portion defining a clevis, a sheave rotatably mounted in the clevis of said second member, the rearward edge of said circular opening in said first member having recesses circumferentially spaced apart, said cylindrical portion of said second member having an annular flange disposed at the rearward end thereof engageable with the first member along the rearward edge of said opening therein and said second member having a lug formed integral with the front annular face of said annular flange and the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical portion of said first member, selectively cooperating with said recesses for locking said second member selectively in predetermined angular positions relative to the axis of said opening.

5. An adjustable attachment mountable on a boom mast of a crane apparatus or the like to provide either a, support for boom pendants or a running support for a hoist line comprising a first member having a portion defining a clevis, the ears of said clevis portion of said first member having aligned openings for receiving a pin therethrough for pivotally mounting said first member to said boom mast, said first member having a circular opening therethrough communicating with the opening between the .ears of said clevis portion, said circular opening having an axis disposed radially relative to the axis of said aligned openings in the clevis portion thereof, a second member having a cylindrical portion rotatably mounted in said opening for limited axial movement therein and a portion defining a clevis at the forward end thereof, a sheave rotatably mounted in the clevis of said second member, the rearward edge of said circular opening in said first member having recesses spaced 90 apart, said cylindrical portion of said second member having an annular flange disposed at the rearward end thereof engageable with the first member along the rearward edge of said opening therein and said second member having a lug formed integral with the front annular face of said annular flange and the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical portion of said first member, selectively cooperating with said recesses for locking said second member selectively in predetermined angular positions relative to the axis of said opening.

6. An adjustable attachment monutable on a boom mast of a crane apparatus or the like to provide either a support for boom pendants or a running support for a hoist line comprising a first member having a portion defining a clevis, the ears of said clevis portion of said first member having aligned openings for receiving a pin therethrough for pivotally mounting said first member to said boom mast, said first member having a circular opening therethrough communicating with the opening between the ears of said clevis portion thereof, said circular opening having an axis disposed radially relative to the axis of said aligned openings in the clevis portion thereof, a second member having a cylindrical portion rotatably mounted in said opening for limited axial movement therein and a portion defining a clevis at the forward end thereof, a sheave rotatably mounted in the clevis of said second member, said sheave having a diametrically disposed axis relative to the axis of the cylindrical portion of said second member, the rearward edge of said circular opening in said first member having recesses spaced apart, said cylindrical portion of said second member having an annular flange disposed at the rearward end thereof engageable with the first member along the rearward edge of said opening therein and said second member having a lug disposed in a plane including the axisof said sheave, formed integral with the front annular face of said annular flange and the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical portion of said first member, selectively cooperating with said recesses for locking said second member selectively References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 307,986 11/1884 Porritt 3 254-195 1,955,942 4/1934 Bush 254- 2,291,894 8/1942 Gwinn 254- 2,564,929 8/1951 Shoemaker 212-59 2,666,532 1/1954 Shoemaker 212-70 2,813,636 11/1957 Preston 212-59 2,830,808 4/1958 Graber 254-190 X 2,999,601 9/1961 Mork 212-59 3,076,560 2/1963 Bushong et al 213-59 3,123,351 3/1964 Graber 254-193 X FOREIGN PATENTS 811,599 4/1959 Great Britain.

SAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Primary Examiner.

A. L. LEVINE, Assistant Examiner. 

1. AN ADJUSTABLE ATTACHMENT MOUNTABLE ON A BOOM MAST OF A CRANE APPARATUS AND THE LIKE TO PROVIDE EITHER A SUPPORT FOR BOOM PENDANTS OR A RUNNING SUPPORT FOR A HOIST LINE COMPRISING A FIRST MEMBER HAVING MEANS FOR MOUNTING THE SAME ON SAID BOOM MAST, SAID FIRST MEMBER HAVING A CIRCULAR OPENING THERETHROUGH, A SECOND MEMBER HAVING A CYLINDRICAL PORTION ROTATABLY MOUNTED IN SAID OPENING FOR AXIAL MOVEMENT THEREIN, A SHEAVE HAVING A SHAFT JOURNALLED IN SAID SECOND MEMBER, SAID FIRST MEMBER HAVING AT LEAST TWO RECESSES IN THE REARWARD 